Chris speaking at Sports Podiatry and Biomechanics Seminar 2011

Last Saturday 18th June 2011, I was invited to speak of my experiences using DolorClast radial shockwave therapy during the opening session of the Sports Podiatry and Biomechanics Seminar 2011 held by the Australian Podiatry Association (Vic).

For those who are not familiar with radial shockwave therapy is, it involves the direction of thousands of acoustic waves, shockwaves, to an injured site for an immediate reduction of pain and to promote the recovery of soft tissue injuries such as plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Foot pain is a fatiguing and often dispiriting problem that will afflict most of you at some stage. By the time you find your way to the podiatrist, the fast relief of pain is foremost on your mind.

Whilst the use of radial shockwave therapy leads to the early relief of soft tissue pain, the need for correct diagnosis and management is integral to the success of shockwave therapy. It should be used as an adjunct to the regime of care that is required to effect a cure of your problem. Your health, lifestyle, foot wear and the exercises you do before and after physical activity all must all be considered before the use of this modality is incorporated into your treatment plan. If orthotic therapy is recommended as part of your care plan, then it is important that you the patient are well informed of what you must do to ensure a satisfactory outcome of your problem and pain relief.

Dr George Koulouris, radiologist at the Melbourne Radiology Clinic and a co-presenter at the conference, guided my 120 colleagues through some of the diagnostic scans of the feet of patients whom  I used as case studies;  Renee, who had a tear to her plantar fascia and thus lived with the pain of plantar fasciitis; Ellen, who has lived for the past 8 months with chronic pain of the insertion of the tendon of tibialis posterior, and finally Nicolee, who has for years been plagued by pain in the ball of her feet from multiple injuries including plantar plate tears, Morton’s neuroma and intermetatarsal bursitis. The use of the radial shockwave therapy in each of the above cases led to an immediate reduction in the intensity of their pain, making daily living more comfortable until they had relief from their full treatment plan - which in some cases included orthotic therapy.

Finally, I spoke about the predominant view of health care providers that shock wave therapy is a treatment to employ when nothing else has worked. I advised my audience that the early use of shockwave therapy in conjunction with conservative treatment, has enormous benefits for the comfort and quicker recovery of soft tissue injuries which can afflict your feet and legs.

Radial shockwave therapy is available at both my Brunswick and Sandringham clinics. If you would like to enquire about this treatment or any other services, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Chris Wheeler, Accredited Senior Podiatrist practicing at Brunswick Foot Clinic and Sandringham Foot Clinic.)Chris has more than 25 years experience as a podiatrist and is well known for orthotic therapy treatments and  shockwave therapy in Melbourne.